Fruit, vegetable prices fluctuate

Price magistrates told to upload images from each inspection point

LAHORE:

The prices of key commodities in Lahore saw mixed trends this week, with no significant change in poultry rates, but fluctuations in vegetables and fruits.

For the fourth consecutive week, live chicken prices remained stable, with the official rate set between Rs397 and Rs411 per kg. However, in retail markets, live chicken was sold at higher prices, ranging from Rs450 to Rs490 per kg. Chicken meat, officially fixed at Rs595 per kg, was sold at Rs670 to Rs950 per kg.

In the vegetable market, potatoes saw a slight decrease. The A-grade, sugar-free potatoes price were reduced by Re1 per kg to Rs76-82, sold at Rs140-150 per kg. Mixed grades were sold at Rs120-140 per kg. A-grade onions saw a reduction of Rs10 per kg, officially priced at Rs117-125 but sold at Rs150-170 per kg.

A-grade tomatoes rose by Rs18 per kg with the official price set between Rs102 and Rs110 per kg, but market rates ranged from Rs160 to Rs180. Local garlic rose by Rs10 per kg, officially priced at Rs390-410 per kg but sold for Rs550-700. The Harnai garlic price increased by Rs5, while the GI variety saw a reduction of Rs30 per kg, officially priced at Rs 40-250 per kg, but sold at Rs360-400.

Ginger prices saw a significant decline with both the Thai and Chinese varieties sold at Rs1,000 per kg.

The fruit market experienced significant price fluctuations.

Apples of different varieties were officially priced between Rs85 and Rs230 per kg but sold at rates ranging from Rs150 to Rs400. A-category bananas gained Rs5 per dozen and were sold at Rs180-200. B-category bananas, however, dropped by Rs15 and were sold at Rs130-150 per dozen.

Meanwhile, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza chaired a meeting of the price control committee aimed at addressing inflationary pressures and enforcing official price lists across the city.

The meeting focusing on the enforcement of government-fixed prices and ensuring relief for the public highlighted strict measures to combat price inflation, particularly for essential items such as bread.

The DC expressed strong discontent with vendors selling bread above the official rate of Rs14, ordering stringent action against violators.

To enhance transparency and efficiency, he directed that price control magistrates must be present in the field for inspections. He emphasised that no representatives would be acceptable, and every magistrate must personally impose fines for violations.

Additionally, magistrates were instructed to upload images from each inspection checkpoint for ensuring accountability. Daily price control meetings were scheduled to maintain oversight, and the DC warned that any negligence or failure in duty would lead to strict punitive action against the responsible officials.

With additional input from APP